Expats generally have the right to transfer their pension abroad into a qualifying scheme. For some, the benefits of doing so are manifold. However, there are risks, and it’s fair to say that you need to tread very carefully when considering all your options, as a significant tax charge can apply in certain circumstances. Written...

Everyone faces risks that require reliable insurance coverage.  Expats face the same risks as well as additional risks caused by their decision to live abroad.  It is important to recognise the risks that you face and to be sure that the coverage does not have terms invalidating the insurance because of your location or because...

Airhelp, the air passenger rights company has announced the results of its 2018 evaluation of the world’s airlines and airports. Airhelp rates the airlines and airports on quality of service, on-time performance, claims processing and online consumer sentiment. Airlines Qatar Airways tops the list of airlines beating Singapore Airlines, last year’s winner. This was achieved...

Offshoreonline report that when expat house buyers return in the busy summer buying period they will have a significant negotiating edge due to the recent falls in expat mortgage interest rates and the effect of a weak housing market in the UK. “The availability of lower expat mortgage rates, whilst at the same time, many...

Katia Vlachos, born of Greek parents in Cameroon, has lived as an expat in Paris, LA, the Netherlands, Vienna and Zurich and so is well placed to write on living the expat life. At the London book launch of her new book, A Great Move, she outlined her top seven tips for a successful expatriate...

This vast, resource-rich country stretching over six time-zones is still open to immigrants and has many job opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications A land of geographic differences and cultural diversity. Canada has a high standard of living with a friendly and sociable people. Within its vast borders, spanning six time-zones, there...

When you move to New Zealand there are household items concessions available that mean you will not have to pay GST and duties on most of your items. You cannot claim household concessions for: new and unused items cars scooters motorbikes boats aircraft commercial items. Other types of motor vehicle or craft. Clearing your items...

If you are considering visiting, working in or moving to New Zealand there are a range of options for visas depending on your citizenship, the purpose of your move and how long you want to spend there. Visitor Visa You can apply for a Visitor Visa if you want to go to New Zealand as...

Schools in Canada are administered by the individual provinces and generally have a good reputation.  With a good standard of education there are options in state and private schools for expats. State Education The provinces and territories of Canada are responsible for education at elementary and secondary levels as well as technical and vocational education. ...

There are a range of visa options depending on the purpose and timing of your planned stay in Canada.  There are visas that give the right to temporary residence and those that allow you permanent residence. If you are entering Canada by air from most countries you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but...

Monsanto. A small, fortified village previously named the ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’. Houses and streets in Monsanto are packed tightly and carved from the cliffs and boulders that surround the town. The castle overlooking Monsanto provides an excellent panorama of the plains and nearby mountains of the Serra de Estrela. Monsaraz. This village still...

Given the close proximity of northern Africa to the Portuguese mainland, approximately 200km across the eastern Atlantic, it is not surprising that Portugal has one of the warmest climates in Europe, with summer temperatures in the south of the country averaging around 28C (18C annually) and 20C in the north (15C annually). Portugal has a...